Nanotechnology in soil-plant system

Abstract

Opportunities for applications of nanotechnology in soil-plant system are fast emerging as an alternative to Green Revolution technologies, which need to be phased out due to their limitations in breaking yield barriers and environmental compliances, and ever escalating shortage of farming inputs, especially P- and K-containing fertilizers and irrigation water. Literature and patent applications on nanotechnology applications in soil-plant system encompass novel materials containing nutrients and stimulators of plants, and pesticides. Compatibility of nanomaterials to farming, food and environment is essential because agricultural production functions in open system, where both energy and matter are freely exchanged in the realm of geosphere-biosphere-atmosphere. Apart from nanomaterials intended for farming, thousands other engineered nanoproducts are entering in soil-plant system, which have been altering the pristine state of soil-plant continuum, and therefore calls for framing of regulations on their use. One of the treasures in soil-plant system could be nanofabricated materials containing plant physiologically suitable nutrient ion(s) in clay minerals receptacles. The areas that need further attention in the success of nanotechnology applications in soil-plant system are founding of impeccable paradigms for concepts that govern farm production system, nanofabricating novel materials so as to improve input use efficiency and environmental compliance, interventions in soil fertility and damaged ecosystems, nutrient and water transport mechanisms in soil-plant system, and biosafety of engineered nanomaterials.